How Does Your Body React To Fasting?

Alhumdulillah, we are already on day 3 of Ramadaan, the most auspicious month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide are observing the month long fasts, it’s truly heartwarming to find that even the little ones are full of zest to wake up at sehri time in an effort to keep a day’s fast, only to earn the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

We all know full well the spiritual benefits of fasting and the countless rewards it brings with it, but what about our body? Did you ever stop and wonder what the physical benefits of fasting are?

• Lungs – When we breathe, we absorb toxins of the environment constantly. Fasting helps removing these from the lungs

• Blood Flow – When you’re fasting, there’s less blood going from the heart to the digestive system, which means more blood flowing to other parts. Blood vessels can be purified faster: no bad cholesterol levels, which in turn decreases the chance of heart diseases with 58%

• Digestion – Since the stomach and the intestines are less active for a month, they cleanse and regulate themselves to allow a more efficient digestion afterwards.

• Brains – Fasting increases brain activity, because it stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein activates brain stem cells and converts them into new neurons. It also protects the stem cells from changes associated with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Immune System – Fasting also improves the immune system because it reduces free radical damage and starves off cancer cell formation.

• Metabolism -Fasting encourages a faster and more energetic metabolism since the digestive system is resting allowing your body to burn calories and fat faster and guesses what? It also slows down ageing.

May Allah grant us the ability to gain maximum reward during this blessed month of Ramadaan making it the best Ramadaan experienced thus far spiritually and physically. Ameen!